Jennifer Kupcho delivered a superb opening round to seize a one-shot lead at the US Women's Open, while British players and world No. 1 Nelly Korda struggled at Riviera Country Club.
Kupcho's Strong Start
The 29-year-old American, who won her only major title at the 2022 Chevron Championship, carded seven birdies in a five-under-par 66 on Thursday. That left her one stroke ahead of Korea's Sei Young Kim, with compatriots Minji Kang, Ina Yoon and Hyunjo Yoo joined by Mexico's Gaby Lopez and Japan's Hinako Shibuno on three under.
"I was hitting the ball well today. Also rolling the ball really well with the putter," said Kupcho. "So seeing a lot of things fall definitely helped with the confidence with my putter."
She added: "I kind of just felt at home. I feel like I really like the golf course. It kind of just flies by. I don't know, I feel like I just really, really like the golf course."
Kupcho, who has missed the cut in her last three US Open appearances, acknowledged the relief of a strong start: "I've missed the last three US Open cuts. So barring something crazy doesn't happen tomorrow, I'll be playing on the weekend. I think it kind of just lets me relax and not have to worry about, OK, I just need to make the cut. Just go out there and play my best, take every shot as it is, and see what happens at the end of the day."
British Players and Korda Struggle
There were no British players under par after the first round. Bronte Law, Mimi Rhodes, Charley Hull, Lottie Woad and amateur Nellie Ong all signed for two-over rounds of 73.
World No. 1 Nelly Korda also finished at two over par, leaving her seven shots behind Kupcho.
